After careful consideration, Central Valley Justice Coalition has decided to postpone our Tea Party (and Technology/Trafficking class) originally scheduled for March 21 at Northpark Community Church. With the landscape around COVID-19 shifting daily, even hourly, we feel it’s prudent to give out-of-town guests as much notice as possible to alter/cancel travel plans. Everyone who purchased a ticket or table will receive a full refund from our online ticketing system. A new date will be announced for the Tea Party when we come to a decision and everyone will be invited to purchase new tickets.

We do not make this decision because we are afraid of the Coronavirus disease. Rather, it’s because we recognize our responsibility to protect vulnerable people extends beyond just those who are at-risk for human trafficking. As an organization, we want to do our part to protect our guests and stop the spread of the virus in the community where it will adversely affect the most vulnerable among us.

It’s important to note that our office remains open at 1940 North Fresno Street in the F.I.R.M. Building. Additionally, anyone needing help or access to resources can reach us through our Resource Line at 559-725-1865, social media pages, or through email using info@justiceco.org. Human Traffickers will not take a break for COVID-19 and neither will we.

During this extraordinary time of national reorganization and re-prioritization, we will focus our prayer efforts on containment of the virus and healing for those who have contracted it. As always, we continue to pray for the prevention of exploitation in all of its forms.

– Ryan Townsend, executive director